Snap bean stringer



April 3, 1951 F. c. WIEMERS 2,547,352

SNAP BEAN STRINGER Filed June 11, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 F rank 6. W/emers April 3, 1951 F. c. WIEMERS 2 SNAP BEAN STRINGER I Filed June 11, 1948 4 Shefcs-Sheet 2 Frank 6. W/emers P 3, 1951 F. c. WIEMERS 2,547,352

SNAP BEAN STRINGER Filed June 11, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 o 4 I \y: Fran/r C. Wiemers L I v WW HMW Aprii 3, 1951 F. c. WIEMERS SNAP BEAN STRINGEP.

'4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 11, 1948 Frank C. W/emers Patented Apr. 3, 1951 UNITED STATES TENT OFFICE This invention appertains to novel and useful improvements in implements for use in reducing the time and effort involved in stringing a field preparatory to growing climbing flora, such as snap bean plants and plants of similar description.. .l I

An object of this invention is to weave a string over and below the usual field string which extends substantially parallel to the grade line by improved means.

, Another object of this invention is to support a small vehicle with an attachment for performing the above function, which small vehicle is steered by means of a device on the attachment running on the field line.

A still further object of this invention is to supply the small vehicle with asubstantially U-shaped frame Which extends over the field line, actuate an endless conveyor-type belt around pulleys and sheaves on the ,U-shaped frame, the said endless conveyor or-belt carrying a supply of string, the string being attached at a predetermined position in a single cycle of operation to a resiliently mounted arm, whereby the string may be anchored by conventional means in the ground, the cycle of operation taking place while the vehicle is in movement thereby'progressively stringing the flexible cord or the like throughout the length of the iieldv Another object of this invention is to include means associated with the U-shaped frame not only for steering the small vehicle but also for pivotally raising the steering means to the inoperative position thereby permitting the vehicle to be turned in order that a second field string may be treated. I

A still further object of this invention is to prevent back lash of the string or cord by regulating the amount and speed of issue of the string from the string container, which is attached to the said belt or endless conveyor system.

And another object of this invention is to provide the small vehicle with a transmission and clutch mechanism whereby the actuation of the endless conveyor may be selectively controlled by the individual performing the stringing operations.

And another object of this invention is to obviate a great amount of field labor in applyand lowered by means of the attachment on the small vehicle.

21 Claims. (Cl. 47-1) Ancillary objects and features of novelty will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and following the description of the preferred form of theinvention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is an elevational view of a preferred form of the invention, a portion of the converl= tionalsmall vehicle being omitted for clarity;

Figure 2 is a plan View of the invention shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an elevational side View of the small vehicle whereon the present invention is attached; 7 I

Figure 4 is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a single form of clutch which may be used in association with the invention and a portion of the transmission;

Figure 5 is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the steering means for controlling the movement of the small vehicle; v Figure 6 is a sectional View illustrating a cord holder used in association with the invention; 7

Figure 7 is a sectional view showing one of the sheaves and rods mounted in proper juX -ta= position relative thereto;

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional View showing the back lash prevention means associated with the cord holder, and

Figure 9 is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the endless conveyor or belt positioned relative to the field string or wire.

As is well known it is often a difiicult task to provide the necessary props in a field wherein it is desired to grow'certain types of plants such as those for producing snap beans. This type of plant is a climber and grows most effectively when there is something on which the plant may climb. Accordingly, it is conventional to supply a field with a field string 10, which is generally of a durable material such as wire, and then progressively place a cord or the like thereover, extending the cord over the field string Hi and anchoring the same to the ground at spaced positions. It is obvious that such a task when manually performed requires a considerable amount of effort. It is withinthe purview and one of the objects of the invention to reduce the manual labor and effort involved in such operations. 7

Certain string 0 twine twisting mechanisms are known in the art however, it is within the purview of the invention to supply a device which is completely self-contained, utilizing a small vehicle which is self-powered. The power of the vehicle is used not only to propel the vehicle and the entire mechanism but also to actuate an endless conveyor or a belt which carries a supply of twine or string in the desired and prescribed manner. The string is constantly raised and lowered over the field wire it and at a selected position in the cycle of operation the string rides over a rod i2 and is grasped by a special mechanism slidably received on the rod. Since this rod '(two of which are supplied) is so positioned as Vehicle and bracket construction The present invention contemplates the use of various types of vehicles such as those involving two wheels, three wheels, or even four or more. trated a vehicle generally indicated at M and is immediately recognizable as the motorcycle type involving only two wheels. The motorcycle has various appurtenances contiguous to any ordinary motorcycle and includes certain additional structure. This additional structure includes a bracket generally indicated at It which may be attached at one end to the steering rod bearing l8 and at the junction of a pair of motorcycle frame members 28 and 22, respectively. This specific attachment position has been chosen as it is above the center of gravity of the motorcycle and this attachment and motorcycle cooperating with a wheel 2% to be described subsequently,

provides in reality a three-wheel vehicle which does not roll or become unsteady in the operation thereof.

The said frame it includes a pair of substantially parallel braces 23 and 30, respectively, projecting toward the vehicle I I which serve as a support for a shaft 32.

Attached to the crankshaft 34 of the engine of the motorcycle Hi is a drive pulley 36 which has a belt 38 extending therearound.

Frame construction Referring primarily to Figure 1, it will be seen that a substantially U-shaped frame 4% is provided and includes legs 01' sides 62 and lid, respectively, as well as a web o top portion 48. The said leg or side d2 has a substantially U-shaped yoke 46 at one end thereof which carries a small axle (unnumbered). This small axle journals the said wheel 26.

The said leg 4 is shorter than the leg t2 and has supporting braces 5e attached thereto which are also attached to the bearing is. The said frame is rigidly associated with a second identical frame (see Figure 2) by means of tie members 52, which are in reality shafts. There are two of these shafts, one indicated at 52 and the other at 5 Bearings es journal the shaft 52 while bearings 58 journal the shaft 55.

At a point adjacent but not at the bottom of the said leg i i, the said U-shaped members or frame is rigidly attached to the bracket i6 as by welding, bolting, brazing or by any other suitable means.

Secured to a suitable cross member of the frame adjacent the lower end of the legs 42 is a stub For illustrative purposes, there is illusshaft 59 carrying a first sheave 60. This first sheave is rotatably journaled on the said stub shaft 59 and may have a thrust bearing 62 asso ciated therewith. A recess 6:1 is supplied in the inner face or" the said sheave 60 in order to accommodate a rod and a. string or cord grasping means.

A second sheave i6 is supplied in a somewhat similar manner to the leg 44 0f the U-shaped members and is journaled on a shaft 68.

Clutch and transmission assemblies Attention is now directed primarily to Figures 3 and 4, wherein the drive pulley St is illustrated and the belt 38, as described above.

The said belt 38 extends around a counterpulley Ti] which is attached to the said shaft 32. It is now apparent that torque of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is transmitted I to the shaft 32 through the medium of the trans- 7 mission belt 38. Keyed or otherwise slidably secured on the shaft 32 is a friction disk 12 forminga portion of a clutch mechanism. It will be noted at this point that any type of conventional clutch may be. used in association with this portion of the mechanism. However, the clutch assembly shown will operate efiectually.

Secured to the said shaft 68 is a relatively larger friction dis M operatively engaged by the said friction clutch member ii. A reduced collar '55 is attached to the said clutch member ":2 and has a bifurcated lever it received in the reduced portion thereof. This lever or fork is pivotally mounted to a suitable component of the small vehicle Hi and has a pitman rod 8t attached at one end thereof. The said pitman rod is also secured to an operating lever 82, shown schematically in Figure 4, and cperatively in Figure 3.

The operation of this clutch is deemed readily apparent, since upon movement of the lever 82 the clutch element or disk 72 is moved selectively toward the center and away from the center of the larger clutch element M, thereby transmitting a greater or larger force and resulting speed to the shaft 58.

As appreciated from inspection of Figure l, the sheave 65 is rigidly connected with the shaft 68 and is mounted thereon, thereby receiving and further transmitting the torque of the shaft EB.

Endless conveyor and stringing system An endless conveyor or belt 33 is entrained around both of the sheaves fidand t6, respectively, and else around four pulleys. The said fourpulleys all, 55, 39 and as, respectively, are supplied in pairs. The pair including that indicated at 8! and 9G is attached to the shaft 55. The other pulleys S6 and 33 form a second pair which are mounted on the shaft 52.

As described above, torque is applied to the sheave E5 and since the belt 85 extends there around, the belt is of course, used in its endless 5. bore whereby thestringr maybeled through the sleeve. N32,. thence to a. second housing I55; The interior. of. the secondhousing serves asecondary functionas a. valve. chamber; there is check: valve; supplied therein.

This check valve includes. a ball. I08; which is engageable with the arcuate. interior upper surface of: the. second. housing, thereby rendering this. arcuate surface. a valveseat H8; The said string is lead through the second housing or; valve. chamber, thence through a. piston H2; or more specifically through a bore M i extending. axially. of the piston.

The said piston H2 is resiliently biased through the. medium of a conventional spring H5 which. seats on a. cap H5 and reacts on the ball. I68. Thesaid cap is threadedly received on thesecond housing in order to render it adjustable thereby regulating the effective compression. of the spring H5. Through the. utility of; such; a string dispenser back lash will be prevented or reduced to. such a minimum as to. be. negligible. and. also,-. the. amount, of. tension. required to issue thestring from. the housing be selectively regulated. This device prevents; the string: or; cord. HS. from sagging during; the operation of the invention.

As the small vehicle is progressed through a field. and since the U-shaped frame member extends over the field cord or wire is it is apparent that when the string container is in a position as substantially shown in Figure 1,, the said; string willbecome reachable by the operator of the; vehicle. As the string is-pulled slightly further over: the top of the field string I 0 and. the endless conveyor progresses slightly; more, the string engages the: rod I2 and slides thereup. This. rod has a sleeve or bearing H8; slidably received thereon which is adapted to. be limited. in its travel by an enlarged end.- or. stop IZD'andi by reception in. the recess. es. A depending member- I22 is fixed to the sleeve M8; and at its junction withthe sleeve. H8, it: con..- stitutes. a hooking means or device. to engage the string H5. thereby sliding the. sleeve. .8 to

the stop I26, which is relatively close to the'oporator of the vehicle. At this position the string is removed by the operator of the vehicle and stapled to the ground through the medium of conventional. staples, I26. In; themeantime'the endless conveyor andvehicle continue to be actuated and when the conveyor completes an. ad-- ditional one-half revolution the string will: be again in position to. .be clamped. However, when the string is to be stapled again. His received from. the second arm I30 which is sub.- stantially identical to the arm I2. This second arm. is mounted on the frame by meansof the shaft I32. which also journals the said sheave 50; This last-mentioned arm i3!) is relatively shorter; than the arm. I2 for facility in operation. Both rods (E2 and lfiil) include a. resilient mounting means. as. the springs. (Figure. 1.) which encircle them, so as to provide. a limited. amount of resiliency in these assemblies. It will not be necessary for the operator to, reach the additional length. in the event. that. the arm I I38 were the. same size. as the arm I2.

Vehicle steering means arm .or. rod-1 M2; Adjacent. but: not at the op posit-e end of this arm I62 there is supplied a pivot" pin I44 pivotally mounting the arm I42 to the web or top of the U-shaped member seen in Figure 1. Thus with the field wire Iii in the position relative to the U-shapedmember as is seen. in Figure 5, any deviation in travel from the movement parallel. to the field wire ID will be transmitted to pivotalmovernentr of. the: arm I t2.

Attached'to one side of the arm hi2 is a cable I46. which extends. over various guide pulleys'or guides I48, I59, and I52 mounted on the U- shaped member. This cable MS terminates at a small arm lbs which is. operatively associated with the sterring mechanism of the motorcycle 56-. Thus, movement in. one direction from the travel of the vehicle parallel to the field wire is will transmit: a steering moment to. the vehicle. M.

In order to steer the small. vehicle I4 inthe other direction av second. flexible member such as a cabl IE8 is attached to another arm it!) which is also operativelyassociated with the steering mechanism of the;- small vehicle I142 Ehis. cable. I58 extends around. various pulleys or other suitable guides I32, I84 and I68 respectively, one of which may be attached to the small. vehicle while the remainder are attached to the U-shaped frame. The said cable I58 in this: instance. terminates in a suitable eye or hook I'IE; which is secured to an end (opposite the trolley its.) of the. arm 42. Since this end is beyond the pivot point of the arm M2 the steering moment will be transmitted in the proper (opposite) direction.

It-will be noted. that the pivotv pin M4 is used not: only to pivotally mount the. arm 14-2 but also to journal a. pulley or guide ill for a thirdflexible member. or cable Ii'i. This cable terminates atone end in a suitable hooking: memher or eye H3 attached to. the trolley" yoke I35. and at its opposite end. on. a handle or lever Iii-il The said. lever may be attached at a convenient position on one of the arms of the U-shaped members. Wherever it is found desirable, other guides may be used such as the pulley. l8-2.. By this expedient the entire. trolley may be. pivotally actuated for variousreasons, such as in order to. turn. the device at the end of one field. string. or wire or in order to manually steer the smallivehicle. I

The foot rests we and. 85 may be pivotally' mounted in a suitable manner tothe vehicle I l and su-ii'cient' linkages generally: indicated at I88- may connect each foot rest to the steering brackets or plates at the forward end of the vehicle, whereby foot control is supplied for. steering purposes.

The operation of the invention has been set forth elsewhere in the specification. It is appreciated, however, that variations may bemade without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as newis:

1. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached tosaid bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame andan' endless belt extending around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a supply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mounted on said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said. frame and associated with said vehicle.

2. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame, and an endless belt extending around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a supply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mounted on said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated with said vehicle, said steering means including an arm pivoted to said frame, a trolley mounted on said arm, and means for transmitting movement of said arm to said vehicle.

3. The combination of claim 2 and means for pivctally actuating said trolley.

4. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle With a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame and an endless belt extending around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a supply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mounted on said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated with said vehicle, said string grasping means including a rod, resilient means mounting said rod on said frame, and a hook member slidably disposed on said rod.

5. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame and an endless belt extending around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame-and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a sup-ply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mountedon said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated with said vehicle, and means operatively asso-- ciated with said string retaining means for regulating the issu of string.

6. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle With a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame and an endless belt extending around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a supply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mounted on said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated With said vehicle, and means operatively associated with said string retaining means for regulating the issue of string, said last-mentioned means including a housing having a through opening and a spring loaded check valve in said housing closing said opening.

7. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicl with a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame and an endless belt extending around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a supply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mounted on said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated with said vehicle, a transmission actuated by said vehicle driving said belt.

8. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a frame 8 attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys journaled on said frame and an endless belt extend ing around said pulleys, sheaves journaled on said frame and having said belt extending therearound, means for supporting a supply of string secured to said belt, string grasping means mounted on said frame and vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated .with said vehicle, a transmission actuated by said vehicle driving said belt, and a clutch interposed between said belt and said transmission.

9. A field stringer comprising a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a frame attached to said bracket, spaced pulleys jourmounted on said frame and Vehicle steering means attached to said frame and associated with said vehicle, a transmission actuated by said vehicle "driving said belt, said steering means including an arm pivoted to said frame, a trolley mounted on said arm, and means for transmitting movement of said arm to the steering mechanism of the vehicle.

10. The combination of claim 9, and means for pivctally actuating said trolley.

11. In a field stringer, a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a substantially U-shaped frame attached adjacent one end to said bracket, said U-shaped frame having sides and a top, the top adapted to overlie a field string, an endless conveyor mounted on said U- shaped frame, means associated with said endless conveyor and said vehicle for actuating and selectively controlling the actuation of said endless conveyor, means attached to the top of said frame for guiding the vehicle, a string container attached to said endless conveyor and means associated with said frame grasping string from the string container during predetermined portions of a cycle of operation of the endless conveyor. V

12. The combination of claim 11, and means attached to said string container for selectively controlling the issue of string therefrom.

13. The combination of claim 12, and said string control means comprising a spring loaded valve.

14. In a field stringer, a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a substantially U-shaped frame attached adjacent one end to said bracket, said U-shaped frame having sides and a top, the top adapted to overlie a field string, an endless conveyor mounted on said U- shaped frame, means associated With said endless conveyor and said vehicle for actuating and selectively controlling the actuation of said endless conveyor, means attached to the top of said frame for guiding the vehicle, a string container attached to said endless. conveyor and means associated with said frame grasping string from the string container during predetermined portions of a cycle of operation of the endless conveyor, said string grasping means comprising at least one rod, and means resiliently attaching said rod to said frame, and a hook device slidably mounted on said rod.

15. In a field stringer, a self-powered vehicle with a bracket mounted thereon, a substantially U-shaped frame attached adjacent one end to said bracket, said U-shaped frame having sides and a top, the top adapted to overlie a field string, an endless conveyor mounted on said U- shaped frame, means associated with said endless conveyor and said vehicle for actuating and selectively controlling the actuation of said endless conveyor, means attached to the top of said frame for guiding the vehicle, a string container attached to said endless conveyor and means associated with said frame grasping string from the string container during predetermined portions of a cycle of operation of the endless conveyor, said steering means comprising a trolley, means pivotally mounting said trolley to the top of said U-shaped frame and means actuated by said trolley for motivating the steering mechanism of the vehicle.

16. A stringer attachment for a vehicle which is adapted to be used in applying twine over a field line, said attachment comprising a frame including a pair of sides and a top connecting the sides and adapted to overlie the field line, an endless conveyor member, pulleys secured to said sides a substantial distance from said top, guide pulleys disposed adjacent the junction of said sides and said top, said conveyor member being entrained around said pulleys, a twine container secured to said conveyor member so that it moves with the conveyor member during cycles of operation of the conveyor member, and means secured to said frame for hooking the twine carried by said container as the container passessaid hooking means during a portion of a cycle of operation of said conveyor.

17. A stringer attachment for a vehicle which is adapted to be used in applying twine over a field line, said attachment comprising a frame including a pair of sides and a top connecting the sides and adapted to overlie the field line, an endless conveyor member, pulleys secured to said sides a substantial distance from said top, guide pulleys disposed adjacent the junction of said sides and said top, said conveyor member being entrained around said pulleys, a twine container secured to said conveyor member so that it moves with the conveyor member during cycles of operation of the conveyor member, means secured to one of said sides and including a hanger bracket for fastening said frame to the vehicle, rods secured to said bracket and said frame, said rods having twine hooking members carried thereby to hook the twine carried by said twine container as the container passes said hooking members during a cycle of operation of said conveyor member.

18. A stringer attachment for a vehicle which is adapted to be used in applying twine over a field line, said attachment comprising a frame including a pair of sides and a top connecting the sides and adapted to overlie the field line, an endless conveyor member, pulleys secured to said sides a substantial distance from said top,

guide pulleys disposed adjacent the junction of said sides and said top, said conveyor member being entrained around said pulleys, a twine container secured to said conveyor member so that it moves with the conveyor member during cycles of operation of the conveyor member, and means secured to said frame for hooking the twine carried by said container as the container passes said hooking means during a portion of a cycle of operation of said conveyor, a. wheel disposed at the lower end of one of said sides to partially support said frame, and a hanger bracket secured to the other of said sides which is adapted to be fixed to the vehicle.

19. A stringer attachment for a vehicle which is adapted to be used in applying twine over a field line, said attachment comprising a frame including a pair of sides and a top connecting the sides and adapted to overlie the field line, an endless conveyor member, pulleys secured to said sides a substantial distance from said top, guide pulleys disposed adjacent the junction of said sides and said top, said conveyor member being entrained around said pulleys, a twine container secured to said conveyor member so that it moves with the conveyor member during cycles of operation of the conveyor member, means secured to one of said sides and including a hanger bracket for fastening said frame to the vehicle, rods secured to said bracket and said frame, said rods having twine hooking members carried thereby to hook the twine carried by said twine container as the container passes said hooking members during a cycle of operation of said conveyor member, said twine container having an outlet opening for passage of the twine, and atwine backlash preventing device carried by said container and operatively connected with the twine as it passes through said opening.

20. The combination of claim 19 and said backlash preventing device comprising a tube with a twine passage therein, a valve, and means yieldingly pressing said valve in the passageclosing position.

21. The combination of claim 17 and said hooking members having bearings which are slidably disposed on said rods, and a stop secured to each rod for engagement by said bearings limiting the movement of said hooking members on said rods.

FRANK C. WIEMERS.

Country Date Germany Feb. 4, 1899 Number 

